What blood pressure range classifies an individual as having Stage 2 Hypertension?

Stage 2 Hypertension is characterized by more severe elevations in blood pressure. According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines, Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. The range of 160-179 for systolic and 100-109 for diastolic falls firmly within this classification as it indicates a significantly higher level of hypertension compared to the earlier stages.

This categorization is crucial because Stage 2 Hypertension indicates a higher risk for cardiovascular events, prompting more aggressive management and intervention to decrease blood pressure and mitigate risks of complications. The other ranges listed do not meet the criteria for Stage 2: the 140-159/90-99 range is classified as Stage 1 Hypertension, while the 120-139/80-89 category represents prehypertension or elevated blood pressure. The last range, 180-110+, while indicating severe hypertension, falls under a separate classification often termed Hypertensive Crisis, which requires immediate medical attention. Thus, the range of 160-179/100-109 is correctly identified as Stage 2 Hypertension.